Tiny NZ ground in spotlight ahead of T20 final

Holly Cain |Wednesday, February 21, 2018

SPORT Australia's stand-in skipper David Warner sees Eden Park's dimensions as a challenge not an issue

After a stunning Ashes campaign Smith's performances dropped off in the ODI series against England and he's been rested for the entire T20 tri-series while Warner has taken the reigns, leading the Aussies to tonight's final against the Kiwis. Australia retained the team that achieved a world-record run chase of 244 to beat New Zealand by five wickets when the teams last met at Eden Park five days ago.

New Zealand vs Australia Live Cricket Score T20I Tri-series final: After travelling over two countries and playing six T20Is, the stage is set for an epic final clash in the T20I tri-series between New Zealand and Austalia.

Wednesday's game will be played on the same pitch as last Friday's run-fest but New Zealand captain Kane Williamson believes a more worn surface could aid the spinners and provide a more even contest between bat and ball.

Australia will face the victor of Sunday's clash between New Zealand and England in the final on Wednesday night.

Ashton Agar struck twice from one over, clean-bowling a hapless Williamson (9) and trapping Mark Chapman lbw in a decision confirmed after a Black Caps review.

"It's important going into it we prepare for what could be a high scoring affair and work backwards from there but it is a challenge", he said.

Munro followed for 29 in the next over leaving the New Zealanders at 59 for two.

"We've play games there where 170 has been defended so you have just got to adapt to the conditions", said Hesson. "You've got guys who only play T20 and that's their chance to play worldwide cricket, so absolutely".

Warner, who is filling in for Steven Smith, is eyeing a series win that will thrust Australia from No. 2 to No. 1 in a format they have historically struggled in.

Australian captain David Warner said he was happy to bowl first as his side had proved its prowess when chasing.

The only negative for Australia was when Chris Lynn left the field after apparently injuring his troublesome shoulder diving for the ball. It's a challenging one but at the end of the day I don't think it (was about) how poorly the bowlers bowled at all.

"Us bowlers were pretty chuffed with that - we got around each other and said "well done".

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